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Jack RUNCKEL Obituary
Born in LaCrosse, Wis., in 1916, he was predeceased by his parents, Irma and Carl Runckel; and his wife, Barbara.
He is survived by his children, Barbette Timperlake (Bob) of Virginia Beach, Linda White (Kimber) of Richmond and Jim of Philadelphia; as well as grandchildren, Tara Spalding (Henry), Kimberly Timperlake, Jeb White and Kimberly Johnson (Brian); and three great-grandchildren, Riley, Addison and Tristan.
During the Depression he earned money for college by working in a brewery. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1939 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He began his engineering career during World War II for NACA which later became NASA. Specializing in studies conducted in the 16' wind tunnel, his 38-year-career included being a member of the team which identified ejector nozzle problems, deficiencies in the angle of attack and the presence of spins in the F-111, leading to a stall inhibitor system and enabling the variable sweep-wing employed by the F-111 and subsequently by the F-14 and B-1. He loved gardening, stamp collecting, traveling, dogs, and was an associate fellow of the AIAA and a member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church.
He designed and built the family home on Woodland Drive in 1950 and at present had resided at Warwick Forest. Loved by everyone for his kindness, gentle spirit and his flowing white hair, he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the staff and residents of Warwick Forest. The family would especially like to thank his faithful nurses, Dee Triplett and Alicia Sharrock.
A memorial service to honor his life will be held at Warwick Forest. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be given to a charity of your choice.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack RUNCKEL
Lynn Taylor
June 17, 2010
I thought the obituary was a wonderful tribute to your dad. I am so glad I was able to know your parents. Lynn Taylor
Bonnie Nunn Dodson
June 15, 2010
Barbette, Linda, Jim and families,
I am deeply sorry to hear that Uncle Jack has passed away. He was such a kind, sweet, quiet, gentle man. He also had quite a sense of humor. I really saw evidence of that at my wedding (many, many years ago!) when he started clowning around with some of the other guys there. He was hysterical!
I know he and Aunt Barbara are now together in heaven and remembering lives well lived.
Again, my deepest sympathies to all of you. You are in my prayers.
Kim Nunn Dent
June 15, 2010
Barbette, Linda, Jim and families,
I am so very sorry to hear of Uncle Jack's passing. He was such a wonderful man, and we all thought the world of him. He and aunt Barbara were truly extra special. Please know you are in my heart, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charles Joyce
June 14, 2010
Dear Barbette, Linda, and Jim,
One of the many pleasures of my friendship with Jim over all these years has been meeting your wonderful and unique parents, who I always thought taught us so much about how to live life fully, with zest and humor. Your dad always possessed that quiet grace and poise; when he spoke, it was with a sort of kind and gentle authority that I've never seen equaled. He was the perfect counterpoint and companion to your mom, and it is comforting to know that at last, they are reunited. Be good to yourselves....you've been great children and their example helped make you great parents; Tara and Kimberly, Jeb and Kimberly are so very lucky to have inherited that legacy.
Finally, please follow Jack and Barbara's example and continue to live your life to the fullest.
Much love,
Chuck
Tami Ambrose
June 14, 2010
Dear Linda's family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. How very blessed you all are to have known such a fine, gentle, and smart man.
Cuong Huynh
June 11, 2010
To Barbette, Linda, and extended family: I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Runckel will be greatly missed.
Jeanne and Mary
June 10, 2010
Dear Barbette, Linda, and Jim,
What a lovely and fitting tribute to an impressive and memorable man! You were blessed to have had him in your lives--as he was to have had you. Our thoughts and hearts are with you. With sympathy and love..
Patsy Maney
June 9, 2010
to the family,
I did your mothers hair for years and loved all the stories she told about her loving family. I met your dad several times as I would go over and see her cross stitch of all her grand children, while your dad would be working on his stamp collection. What lovely people they both were. I know they will be truly missed.
Patsy
Jackie and Nick Warren
June 8, 2010
Linda, Barbette, and Jim,
We are so sorry about the loss of you dad. You have been so blessed to have such a special man with you for so long. The obituary showed a wonderful glimpse of your dad's extraordinary life and career. We are thinking of you and your entire family.
Candace Whitley
June 8, 2010
Linda and family,so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. The lovely sentiments that have been expressed here will stand as a testament to his work ethic,his character and the love of his family and friends. Candy (Hixson) Whitley
Janet Lockstampfor
June 7, 2010
Dear Runckel Family,
You are in our prayers and thoughts. We lived on Longwood Drive. We had some good times back then. You may remember my sister Brenda. I will tell her and Mom in the morning. God bless you.
Grace and Peace,
Janet and Mildred Lockstampfor
Robert Wilson
June 7, 2010
June 7, 2010
To Jack's children and extended family: My sincere condolences. The obituary was a nice tribute to him. Jack was a very special and significant person in my life during the summer of 1957. That summer I was an Engineering Aide who was involved in the reduction of data generated in the 16-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at the then Langley Aeronautical Memorial Laboratory. My training under Jack that summer was instrumental in my subsequent career of about a half century with NACA/NASA, for the broadening experiences there led me to continue with NASA a year later after graduating from college. I admired Jack in his technical leadership role, and I trust he had a very meaningful retirement as part of his long life.
Rebecca Burcher Jones
June 7, 2010
To Jack's children and extended family -- Please accept my condolences. I came to know Jack from my visits to my Mother, who lives at Warwick Forest. He had a nice, sweet smile whenever I greeted him. Even when I didn't happen to see him, I always smiled to myself at his photo and mementoes displayed outside the entrance to his apartment. I hope you have a wealth of happy memories from his long life.
Betsy and Greg Hulcher
June 7, 2010
Linda Sue, Barbette, and Jim,
We send our condolences to each of you.
This obituary is a beautifully written history of a very special person.
We know that this has been a very long journey for each of you, but the wonderful memories and the knowledge that he received such excellent care these final years will hopefully sustain you and give you peace.
Steve Keith
June 7, 2010
To Barbette and Linda, I am sorry for your loss. I recall the family home, in fact remember my father helping your dad one evening when I was one or two years old. I broke a needed drill bit. I remember visiting and boating together. It seems to me that your mother would take away your clothes if found laying around the house. My parents are gone now as well and I sorely miss them. However, I remain in the same house. Again, I know your pain and pray for God's comfort to be upon you.
ALICIA SHARROCK
June 7, 2010
MR. RUNCKEL WILL BE GREATLY BE MISSED AND U WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS! LOVE "CURLY" AND "DEE"!!!!!!!!!!!
Donna Noble
June 7, 2010
Mr. Runckel was a gentle and loving man who gave joy to those around him. Chuck and I will keep Linda, Jim, and Barbette in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May your memories of your dad give you peace in the coming days.
Love, Donna and Chuck Noble
Marvin Lewis
June 7, 2010
I am saddened by your loss and hopeful that you have cherished memories.
Louise "Hardin" Joynes
June 7, 2010
I fondly remember working w Barbara on the orthapaedic unit at Riverside. She spoke lovingly of her family. I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one.
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